Korean Stamps

Korean Stamps were first issued during November 1884, these stamps are rarely seen in used condition as just a few days later the main PO at Seoul was burnt down during an attempted revolt! 19th Century Korean stamps have long fascinated philatelists with changes of currency, 1895 stamps printed in America then the same stamps overprinted in Chinese & Korean in 1897 because the Kingdom of Cho-Sun became the Empire of Tai-Han!

The stamps of Korea reflect the country’s turbulent history, including the uneasy relationships with China and Japan. From 1905 the Japanese took control the Korean Postal Service and Japanese stamps came into use; eventually in 1910 Korea became a Japanese colony with the name Chosen.

Following the Japanese defeat in 1945 American and Russian administrations were set up & in 1948 South Korea and North Korea became independent republics with their own stamps, the subjects of these stamps clearly shows the different political outlooks of these two nations. The turbulent history & conflicts of these two countries are excellently illustrated within the design of Korean stamps and postal history!

Korean Stamps and Topical Collecting

Korean stamps have excellent topical content beginning with the 1903 Falcon issue – a popular set amongst Bird stamp collectors. Both South & North Korea are proud of their sporting achievements and wildlife which feature on many Koeran stamps.